Second defibrillator for trip boats

The Trust now has a second defibrillator for use on its tripboats, thanks to the generosity of two of its volunteer boat skippers.

In 2020 boat group volunteers raised funds to purchase an AED to take out on public cruises, and have now added a second defibrillator for times when several boats are out at once.

The latest life-saving machine joins that available for public use on the outside of the Loxwood Canal Centre and another used by the largest working party, the Midweek Working Party. Both were purchased thanks to donations in 2018.

In deploying the AEDs the Trust has had the enthusiastic support of St John Ambulance First Aid trainer and Trust member Penny Bridger who provides first aid training for skippers on a volunteer basis. Penny arranged with WEL Medical Ltd of Farnborough to supply the AEDs at a favourable charity price.

Having the machines to hand could be the difference between life and death for someone who is in cardiac arrest, and they are simple to use. For every minute it takes for the defibrillator to reach someone and deliver a shock, their chances of survival reduce, so the Trust is pleased to be able to give the public the reassurance of having the machines present on boat trips.